How Do Solar Panels Work?

Solar panels have been around for some time now, but very few people can describe how they work. First of all, solar energy is energy provided from the sun. Fortunately for us, we can manipulate this energy for human use. How? With solar panels.

Solar panels are made of cells designed to take in solar energy. Here’s the basics of it:

Sun gives light

We as humans manipulate that light with solar panels

We get solar energy as a provider of, in many cases, electricity

Technical Explanation

To give you this explanation, let’s remember a couple of terms some of us haven’t visited since high school. We’ll keep it simple.

Atom: A chemical unit comprised of protons, neutrons and electrons.

Photons (not to be confused by protons): A particle of light or radiation.

Electrons: A subatomic particle with a negative charge. Electrons are key because they are the primary carrier of electricity.

When sunlight hits a solar panel cell, the photons coming through separate electrons from atoms, generating a flow of electricity. But it doesn’t stop there. If it did, we’d simply have a free flow of electricity inside the cell. In order for electricity to flow, the cell has to be built appropriately, which includes having metal conductors on either side of the cell.

The metal conductors serve to collect the now separated electrons making energy, and transfer them to the wiring of the panel. The wiring can be complex, so always be sure to have a knowledgeable professional install your solar panel wiring.

What Kinds of Solar Panels Are There?

There are different types of solar panels, depending on what you’re trying to do. PV or photovoltaic solar panels are used to receive energy for electrical devices. There’s also thermal collectors which are used to heat up the water in your home. Check with your solar panel installer to find out which is better for you.

Do Solar Panels Save Money?

The short answer is yes. However, the amount of money you save depends on a few factors, including placement of the panels. Will there be tree blockage, for example? Another aspect to consider is, is your neighborhood allowed to install solar panels? And, do you need permission from your local authorities? We recommend checking with your electric company or with neighbors who already have solar panels for more information. Installing solar panels is a big decision and you want to be satisfied with your choice.

How to Choose the Right Solar Panel Installation Company?

When you look for professionals to install solar panels in your home, it’s important that you trust them. There are two main items we recommend when choosing your solar panel installation professional.

First: Assess their knowledge. If you don’t know which solar panels you want for your home, ask them which they believe would be best for you. It’s not about them giving you the most expensive and unnecessary choice, but the best for your home. What will fit your roof (or solar panel area) and what will satisfy your needs. Do you need thermal heating or simply electricity for your electronics?

Second: Experience. Have they’ve been doing this for a while? Do they have true branding? Do they sound like they know what they’re doing? Are they local to you? Are they willing to provide you with references or do they have online reviews? It’s important to know who’s installing this investment for you. You want your solar panels to last, so choose the right people for the job. We’ve put together a few points to remember when dealing with your solar panel supplier here.

Our Testimonials

Highly recomend to anyone looking at having solar installed. Whole system was installed within a week and is of very high quality, both product and install. The guys even went as far as cleaning the leaves from my old system and raking them into a neat pile on the front lawn. Clear and responsive communication with Scott before and after install and was given honest suggestions on what system would best suit my household needs. Would not hesitate in using their services again.

We would have no hesitation in recommending these guys. We live on Russell Island and got stuffed around by one of the well advertised cheap companies. After 2 months of waiting we cancelled our contract with them and rang Scott. He was upfront from the start. 2 weeks later our solar was installed for the fantastic price quoted for a 6kw system, no extra costs involved, and it was up and running a week later. The installation guys were very professional and did a great job. Thanks Scott, We could not be happier.

Had a 5kw system recently installed, great service and great price. No hard core sales staff hassling me just genuine local contractor with down to earth genuine knowledge. Looking forward to reaping the benefits.

Massive thanks to Alan Kemp!
Have been trying to get info from our installers (another story) for months.. to no avail...
At my wits end i contacted a stranger who happened to be Alan, and he had it solved in a matter of seconds!
Nothing beats quality, straight up customer service! Would have to recommend on that alone!
Systems are only ever as good as the people behind them!!
Thanks Alan!! 👌

Have we installed near you?

Solar FAQ’s – MUST READ

Solar System Prices

Frequently Asked Solar Questions

Queensland Solar and Lighting

Queensland Solar and Lighting is installing solar power Brisbane at the cheapest prices the Gold Coast, has seen. We only use quality solar panels and inverters.

All our products are of the highest Australian Standard. We install solar systems to Residential and Commercial clients all over NSW and Central Queensland, Installing from Cairns to Narooma Solar power. We have solar customers in Victoria, Canberra and Sydney also. Wherever there is a naked roof in Australia without a solar panel on it, we will happily come and install at the cheapest possible price. However we can, and have, installed all over the East Coast of Australia!